I talked with a fitness trainer today, and he said that cardio was great but in order to move past those plateaus I need to get in some strength training too. I can't really afford a personal trainer at this point in my life, but does anyone know if another program is just as effective such as P90X? Or can any of you tell me if you've been able to lose weight and push past those plateaus by just doing cardio.

My current exercise and nutrition routine:

- 45 minutes of elliptical everyday; sauna for 15-20 minutes
- 600-800 calories
- 60-100 grams protein
- less than 40 grams carbs
- 60-100 oz. water

 I added Yoga to my exercise routine and it has really helped with a lot of things. First off, I have become much more flexible and stronger. I also have learned to handle stress much better. I LOVE my Yoga classes and go as much as I possibly can (3-4 times a week). I also use weights when I am on my treadmill. I have 5lb weights and I will go 2 minutes at 3.6 mph with the weights (curls, lifts etc.) then 2 minutes at 3,8 mph. I do this for 20 minutes. I also do about 20 minutes with a bell weight of 10lbs. I have a Stairmaster that I do for 20 minutes. So, basically my workout is 20 minutes on the stairstepper, 20 on the treadmill with 10 minutes of weights, 20 minutes of weights and then the Yoga classes about 3 to 4 times a week. You usually can find Yoga classes pretty inexpensively. That is my splurge. When I was in my losing phase I never had a stall. I know that most people don't like to exercise or can't put as much time into it, but I really love it. It makes me feel really good. I get up early to make sure I get my workout in before work and do the Yoga at lunch.

I've thought about doing yoga. Do you think the yoga videos would be just as effective as the classes?

 Probably. I haven'****ched a video but you just follow the instructor in class so I would guess the videos give instructions as well. I would try the video. I was really amazed at how much stronger I have become and how much more flexible. It is so relaxing as well and sometimes at the end of class I actually fall asleep! 

Hey Friendly,

Here is a link to a post of a resistance training workout my personal trainer taught me a few years ago with some explanations. I found it SUPER helpful, and it totally changed the way I work out these days.

Good luck with your healthy lifestyle!
Somayeh

Thanks for sharing!

I've beeen doing group fitness.  Started with water aerobics, tried some yoga (too hard on the hand/wrist for me; carpal tunnel), and then added spin classes.  I hate spinning class sometimes, but I know that it is a good work out.  After that class I feel warmth all over my body while driving home.

As far as stalls my worst has been about 2 weeks so far.  I do some strength training already in the pool and I have the biceps and triceps to show for it, so if you have that available at your gym you might give it a try.

I did a fit test with a trainer this week.  He said I'm in good shape (better than average) and that I just need to lose more weight.  

I told him that I don't have the money to use a personal trainer and he was very understanding.  The fit test was a free part of my membership.  He said that the one thing that he thought would be a good investment for me on my weight loss journey is their CardioPoint test.  From what I can tell they put you on a bike, or a treadmill, with a mask on and measure everything.  He said that if I do that I will know what heart rate I need to target to burn fat as it varies from person to person.  Then I can use a heart rate monitor to get to and stay at that rate.  It would be a one time investment vs. paying a trainer all the time.  I'm thinking about it.

 I really like the Body for Life strength training.  Basic exercises with pictures of correct technique.  They also give you a suggested schedule, which really helped me when I couldn't afford a trainer.  Good luck!